Category Archives: Women

When Should White People Quote MLK?

When should white people quote Martin Luther King, Jr.? I’ve heard many Black anti-racism advocates say the answer is somewhere between when we deeply understand how to not whitewash his quotes and never, ever, ever. So for any white folks reading this, here’s why we should follow this very reasonable request: Believe Black people whenContinue reading “When Should White People Quote MLK?”

Reclaiming My Voice, Becoming Me – A Befriending Dragons Story

In the mornings I search my closet to find the perfect outfit that shows I’m technical enough, I’m smart enough, I fit in. One day I wear a skirt, and my manager can’t seem to process it, I have gone outside his expectations. He flips to the script of “this is a woman, not aContinue reading “Reclaiming My Voice, Becoming Me – A Befriending Dragons Story”

Befriending Dragons Happy Hour

I have so many thoughts and ideas about where my passion will lead me next. I haven’t yet settled on any one thing for a new career, so I went back to the basics. Listen. Listen to my community. I envision my community as marginalized people in tech. So I have started a meetup groupContinue reading “Befriending Dragons Happy Hour”

Befriending Dragons | #Words4Justice

Today is my last official day at Microsoft. I no longer feel safe, comfortable, or valued working in tech. Going forward I’ll be working to actively disrupt tech culture and systems to reduce harassment and discrimination. Keep an eye on #Words4Justice. 😊 Be kind. Be brave. Go beyond ally to accomplice to actively disrupt bullying and discrimination. cindygross@outlook.com @cindygrossContinue reading “Befriending Dragons | #Words4Justice”

Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias – Good People Matter!

Presented at SQL Saturday Oregon on October 24, 2015 by Julie Koesmarno and Cindy Gross Good People We’re good people. As good people we don’t want to think we do things that have negative consequences for others. But sometimes our subconscious can fool us. What we intend isn’t always what happens. We think we’re makingContinue reading “Moving Beyond Unconscious Bias – Good People Matter!”

The Big Data Dragon flies on to Microsoft AzureCAT

“Always in motion is the future” – Yoda On June 1 I will be moving into a new role on AzureCAT. I tried the small business consulting world with Neal Analytics and it just wasn’t a good fit for me and my passions. So here I go, on to new challenges at Microsoft! I’ll beContinue reading “The Big Data Dragon flies on to Microsoft AzureCAT”

Where are the Women in Technology? #BoiseWIT

Where are the Women in Technology? The Event This year’s Boise Code Camp has an exciting new panel session: “Where are the Women in Technology?” We have a great lineup of women who will help us all understand why women in tech matter to your bottom line. The panel invites everyone of any gender toContinue reading “Where are the Women in Technology? #BoiseWIT”

Taking Flight a.k.a. The Data Dragon’s Life After Microsoft

Cross-posted (with slightly worse formatting) from http://befriendingdragons.com/2014/07/23/taking-flight-a-k-a-the-data-dragons-life-after-microsoft/ Life is a journey – we can choose to fly through it with our wings spread to catch and channel the winds, or we can let the winds pummel us to the ground. I choose to take flight, enjoy the journey, and land on my feet. Then take off again. Even whenContinue reading “Taking Flight a.k.a. The Data Dragon’s Life After Microsoft”

Stupid Cancer – Survivor Spotlight Tonight at 6p

Stupid cancer. It can be a devastating diagnosis – even if like me you’ve “won the cancer lottery” and ended up with a very treatable breast cancer. In my case I’m cured – a couple of small scars, a bit of a fading sunburn on one side, and memories. I can no longer say IContinue reading “Stupid Cancer – Survivor Spotlight Tonight at 6p”

%d bloggers like this: